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What is PTFE?

Polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE is the commonly used versatile, high-performance fluoropolymer made out of carbon and fluorine atoms. PTFE is a cost effective solution for industries like oil & gas, chemical processing, electrical/electronic and construction etc.

Generally, PTFE is a porous material which allows air and other gases passing through while stopping the relatively larger molecules. For example, in a cell phone, there is a thin PTFE film which is fitted behind the microphone. It acts as a vent in day to day operation, It allows the air to pass through and repel water and dust.

Types of PTFE:

There are basically two types of porous PTFE:

1. Sintered PTFE
2. Expanded PTFE

What is Sintered PTFE?

Sintered PTFE is a membrane featuring an open-celled, omnidirectional 3D-pore structure that is design-flexible and can be tailored in thickness, porosity, and volume to individual device needs.

Application of sintered PTFE:

1. Infection control
2. Urology and ostomy care
3. Injection therapy
4. Medical and pharmaceutical packaging

What is expanded PTFE?

 Expanded PTFE is a sealing agent that is made of 100-percent pure PTFE. The expansion process produces a microporous fibrous structure which gives the product its unique mechanical. The material is specially targeted for sealing flange joints in pipelines and hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Application of Expanded PTFE:

1. Where continues thermal cycling is applicable
2. Oil refineries and chemical processing plants, in cryogenics facilities and heat exchanger usage areas, the seals cope with high-to-low temperature transients

Major difference between Sintered PTFE and Expanded PTFE:

Durability

Sintered PTFE tend to wrinkle or break on being touched since  it is internal structure, while expanded PTFE does not break under heavy load conditions.

Support

Sintered PTFE doesn’t require support and can be ultrasonically welded to plastic, while expanded PTFE is a touch-sensitive material hence they are laminated to fabric to minimize damage in protective vents.

Air flow

Sintered PTFE restricts the air flow in a better way relatively to the expanded PTFE

Water repellent

Sintered PTFE provides superior protection against the water droplet better than the expanded PTFE. PTFE is meant to stop the water droplets, but both sintered PTFE and expanded PTFE manages it differently.

Conclusion:

PTFE films have variety of applications like industrial, mechanical, electrical and special applications. By knowing what operational needs your device has can determine the level of porosity and the type of structure you need in a porous PTFE film.